CAMD graduate Emilio Guido knew how to make a film about a college graduate figuring out their next steps because he lived it. After majoring in communication and media studies with a minor in business administration and graduating in 2020, he has released the self-produced, -written, and -directed film “When Max Met Loralie” to tackle exactly this topic — with an added layer of intrigue. The film will be screened at the College of Arts, Media and Design on October 20. 

From transferring to Northeastern to then changing majors, Guido’s journey of perseverance has led him to discovering his true passion for film. “I was just starting to get into film as I was coming to Northeastern, and they had the resources available through clubs and classes to pursue that passion in that growing interest,” he says. In 2019, while still a student, Guido produced the documentary  Laugh Now: A Perspective on Life, Liberty & the Holocaust about a 92-year-old Greek man’s escape from Nazi’s capture as a teenager.

Guido first got the idea for “When Max Met Loralie” while walking around Boston and observing interactions between people. Guido then integrated his experience with higher education, allowing the film to resonate with a lot of college students. 

Guido explains his perception of the expectations for students’ need to perform well and be involved in extracurriculars to succeed, starting in middle school, continuing through college, and culminating in the pressure to find a job. “There’s this expectation in society that you’re doing this job or this work you’ll be doing for the rest of your life. It’s saddening, in a way, to look at that moment when you’re just at the beginning of that journey as college students going into that “what’s next” question…you’re at the beginning of the rest of your life,” Guido says. 

Grit and persistence have played a huge role in the production for “When Max Met Loralie.”  After many moments of uncertainty due to the pandemic, Guido was able to create the final product and release it in May 2022. “The journey took about three years, but we were able to persevere through the love of film,” he says. “I’m really proud of this film so I’m excited to share it with Northeastern students now.”

“When Max Met Loralie” will be screened at Northeastern on October 20 followed by a discussion with the writer, producer and director. The film is also available to stream.